PLANS to turn an old barn in Thelwall into 15 homes have been turned down following scores of objections to the scheme.

As reported previously in the Warrington Guardian, developers announced plans to renovate the Old Hall Farmhouse on Lymm Road in the village in January.

The building is grade two listed and dates back to 1655 and has been largely rebuilt in the 19th century.

Under plans submitted to Warrington Borough Council, the barn building would be converted into five residences, while the nearby much more modern riding school will be demolished and 10 terraced homes will be built in its place.

And the application provoked an angry response from scores of residents who said the development would be too crammed, destroy the greenbelt in the area and affect traffic.

Residents also pointed to flooding in the area and the effect of any building on wildlife.

Parish councillor Clifford Taylor said: “The introduction of 15 dwellings is totally unnecessary.

“The proposed scheme is far too extensive and intensive and is in my view unacceptable.”

And a neighbour in Thelwall added: “ These plans do not fit with the area and would look completely out of character.

“The design plans are ridiculous.

It would be a complete shame to destroy this historic building.

“It would visually impact the local area.

“The horses and donkeys are one of the main attractions of Thelwall.”

Planning officers turned down the application saying it would be ‘inappropriate in te green belt’.

They argues there were no special circumstances which would allow it to be built.

A council spokesman said: “The proposal does not provide clear and convincing justification for the alteration to the building to overcome the harm to the heritage asset.

“The proposal is considered to cause significant harm to the designated asset that is not outweighed by the public benefit.

“The proposal is not considered to preserve the character and appearance of the Conservation Area or the setting of the adjacent listed buildings.”